GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Review Summary

Beautiful visual and art style: The visual and art style of the game were frequently praised for being beautiful and visually stunning.

Praised soundtrack and music: Many players highlighted the game's soundtrack and music as standout features, contributing positively to the overall experience.

Attractive character designs: The game features appealing and well-designed characters, which players found visually attractive and engaging.

General enjoyment of the game: Overall, players found the game enjoyable and a good experience, both offline and in comparison to other games like Tekken 8.

Positive fighting mechanics: The fighting mechanics were generally well-received, with players finding them balanced and skill-based.

High DLC costs: Many players are frustrated with the high cost of DLC characters, which are often priced much higher than the base game itself. This makes the overall experience expensive and feels necessary for a complete roster.

Balance issues: Players report various balance issues, including character imbalances and inconsistent balance patches. This affects the fairness and enjoyment of the game.

Game difficulty: The game is considered too difficult and not enjoyable by some players. This includes difficulties with learning the game and specific challenges like the final boss in arcade mode.

Controller issues: Players report various problems with controller inputs, including incorrect functionality and compatibility issues. This affects the overall control and enjoyment of the game.

Expensive base game: The base game is considered too expensive by many players, which is a barrier to entry. The high cost is a common complaint among the community.

Character balance and adjustments: Players frequently mention character balance issues and the impact of character adjustments on gameplay. Balance patches and character changes are crucial for maintaining a fair and enjoyable experience.

Tutorial and training mode limitations: The tutorial and training modes have been criticized for their difficulty and lack of useful features. Players find these modes necessary but insufficient for learning the game effectively.

Content and gameplay variety: The game offers a mix of DLC and base game content, but some players find the gameplay speed slow and the replay system limited. The variety of content and gameplay mechanics is a significant aspect of the game.

Complex character strategies and combos: The game features complex character strategies and combos that can be frustrating for players. This complexity affects gameplay and requires significant practice to master.

Accessibility and beginner-friendly mechanics: The game includes accessibility features and beginner-friendly mechanics, making it easier for new players to get into the game. However, some players still find the combat system complex and requiring external resources to learn.

Network and online issues: Players are experiencing network performance issues and online stability problems. These issues affect the overall gameplay experience.

Graphics quality concerns: Some players have raised concerns about the graphics quality. This can impact the visual experience and immersion in the game.

Comparison to other fighting games: The game is compared to other popular fighting games such as Street Fighter and Tekken, indicating that players are evaluating it in the context of well-known titles in the genre.

Play GUILTY GEAR Xrd REV 2: Players recommend trying out GUILTY GEAR Xrd REV 2, likely due to its unique gameplay or features.

Normal and deluxe versions: There are suggestions for both normal and deluxe versions of the game, implying that players are considering different editions based on their preferences or budget.

Community fair range: $20.00 - $40.00.

Game completion: 20.0h.

Story completion: 5.0h.

The game becomes fun after players complete the tutorial and start understanding the mechanics. The comprehensive tutorial and playing with friends are key factors that enhance the enjoyment.

Reported time to anchor: 1h.

Friction: Complex mechanics; Initial learning curve; Overwhelming for beginners.

Unlock drivers: Comprehensive tutorial; Training modes; Playing with friends.

Beginner-Friendly Enthusiast: Casual, learning-focused. Motivation: Accessibility and ease of learning. Stance: sale.

Passionate Community Member: Dedicated, story-driven. Motivation: Emotional connection and community engagement. Stance: buy.

Competitive Fighter: High-skill, competitive. Motivation: Competitive gameplay and mastery. Stance: buy.

Steam Deck: The analysis of user feedback reveals several key themes. Controller issues are a significant concern, with multiple users reporting difficulties with connectivity and setup. While the game generally performs well on Linux, there are notable issues such as visual bugs and controller input problems in coop mode. On the positive side, many users have praised the game's graphics, soundtrack, and overall gameplay experience. Additionally, the game has been reported to run well on the Steam Deck, indicating good compatibility with this platform.

Linux and Proton: The game generally runs well on Linux with Proton, with no significant performance loss. However, there are minor visual bugs and specific issues with controller input in coop mode. Overall, the compatibility and ease of use are positive, but some tweaks may be required for optimal performance.

Monetization: The game has significant issues related to its monetization strategy, particularly with the extensive use of DLC to lock content behind paywalls. Many powerful and easy-to-play characters are locked behind these paywalls, creating a pay-to-win scenario. The high cost of DLC and season passes, which can exceed the price of the base game, adds to the frustration. Additionally, players who already own some DLC do not receive discounts when purchasing new bundles, and there is no option to try out DLC characters before buying them. These factors contribute to a negative perception of the game's monetization practices.

External guides: The user feedback highlights a significant reliance on external wikis and resources to understand complex game mechanics, character information, and technical issues. This dependency on external data sources indicates that the game lacks sufficient in-game guidance and support, leading users to seek information elsewhere to fully grasp and enjoy the game.